Take Care of Your Back While Driving
By Donna Stark
Spending a lot of time behind the wheel can be a real pain ... in the back, that is. No matter how fancy your car may be or whether you have just driven it off the lot, there really isn't a whole lot of comfort offered for anything more than just a short trip to here and there. That can be unfortunate for some people who spend the majority of their days sitting behind the wheel for work or for hauling kids around town. So what can you do if you are one of those people? How can you increase your comfort with the limited amount of space you are given?
Comforting Your Aching Back While Driving
Most vehicles provide enough comfort to spend the day running errands or to take that day trip up north, but are not built to support the back for the long haul. However, there are some tricks you can tuck up your sleeve that can help prevent and alleviate your back pain while driving. Let's take a look.
- Comfort - Before you find your place behind the wheel, make sure that you prioritize comfort. Remove your wallet or cell phone from your back pocket, wear comfortable clothes, and choose appropriate shoes to wear.
- Seat adjustment - Adjust the seat so that you are sitting upright and aren't reclining. Your feet should be able to sit flat on the floor and you shouldn't have to stretch to reach the pedals. Make sure that your mirrors are in the right position as well so that you are not straining your neck to use them.
- Back support - Pack some things in your car that will help to support your back during the drive, such as a lumbar support pillow, a rolled-up towel, or any other type of seat cushion.
- Pain essentials - If you know that you are susceptible to back pain while driving, be sure to remember some essentials for pain relief. Keep a bottle of water nearby, carry some pain relief tablets, or utilize the seat's heating pad.
- Breaks - Avoid fatigue, stiffness, and soreness by taking plenty of breaks during your drive and moving your body! All it takes is a few minutes to hop out, walk around, and stretch. In addition to perking you up a bit, it will also help to keep your blood flowing which definitely helps prevent your muscles from aching.
Staying Safe
Staying safe while driving doesn't only pertain to remaining accident-free. It also means to keep your body protected from any pain or discomfort that can happen from sitting too long. So be proactive before you hit the road. Driving can be hard on the body, but you certainly don't have to break your back doing it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.